Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.

The Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) partners with local, regional and international economic development agencies, companies, site selectors and decision makers to strengthen communities and grow Washington's economy through increased exports, investment, retention and expansion.

This position works within the Business Development Unit of OEDC, and is responsible to create and deploy the agency's business development strategy to increase business recruitment and investment to the State of Washington's aerospace cluster and work to expand and retain existing aerospace businesses throughout the state. This position

works in close conjunction with the Sector Lead team and the OEDC's International Trade Program Managers in executing against the business recruitment strategy. This position entails consulting and advising management of businesses and their representatives, local economic and workforce development organizations, educational institutions, labor organizations, and elected officials in the development and implementation of local and statewide strategies to increase business location and investment. This position will focus primarily on aerospace, defense and space but may support other industries. Working with private sector leaders in the US and overseas, foreign-based experts, and high-level government officials to implement business investment strategies and attract business investment to Washington, in a very competitive global business environment, position Washington State's competitive advantages and strategic business case to companies across industry sectors. This position requires leadership and expertise for proposal

development and presentations to senior management teams of client companies as well as participation in major events/trade shows around the world in order to generate leads and business opportunities.Business Development/Recruitment Management - Aerospace, defense, space and other key Washington sectors

Tasks include:

• Increase the pipeline of qualified business leads through the development and execution of a proactive business development strategy.

• Identify target companies across the world, cultivating relationships with public and private sector leaders.

• Provide timely and comprehensive technical assistance to companies, including understanding relevant tax incentives and guidance on property options.

• Increase capital investment to the state through an aggressive strategy of business outreach, participation in key events and industry trade shows, and collaboration with statewide economic development partners.

• Provide assistance to companies in need of expansion/location services to include supporting all aspects of business investment, site location, and operating issues such as business climate, regulations, workforce development, infrastructure, taxes and incentives, financing, real estate, and other management/production issues.

• Assist local economic development partners in preparing information, arranging and conducting site tours, facilitating communications/assistance/resources between companies and state, local and private parties.

• Prepare agendas in an efficient, timely manner. Serve as a liaison with state, local and economic development partners.

• Serve in a leading role in driving the overall aerospace recruitment strategy for the Business Development unit.

• Make direct and strategic contact with domestic and foreign aerospace companies as well as other assigned sectors.

• Meet with Washington companies to understand business models and operating needs.

• Develop business development strategies, build local capacity, and coordinate with statewide associate development organizations with the goal of facilitating business retention and expansion in the state.

• Act independently on behalf of the Department, Washington State, and the business delegations represented in order to make strategic and tactical decisions that will affect current and future business location decisions.

Business Development Marketing and Tradeshow Support

Tasks include:

• Provide marketing and outreach support at trade shows, via related communications and

marketing collateral, and through other business recruitment events and activities.

• Coordinate with Commerce's internal Marketing team in the development and management of business development marketing collateral. Research and identify key industry points. Access databases and collaborate with partners to discover and analyze new statistics and trends.

• Update and generate presentation slides on a regular basis. Proficiently deliver presentations in front of clients.

• Provide timely, comprehensive event communication to local partners. Prepare and track

invoices for key Commerce events.

• Participate in events, industry trade shows, and trade missions in the U.S. and abroad.

• Proficiently track and interpret tradeshow information. Serve as a lead on logistics related to key business development opportunities.

Business Development Program Support

Tasks include:

• Work with businesses interested in pursuing Commerce programs, including grants

• Analyze and provide guidance on project opportunities, monitor applicant status, funding,

and determine next steps

• Research grant applicant background and serve as key contact for program questions.

Conduct research to advise division leaders. Prepare briefing documents in support of

funding recommendations

• Navigate obstacles in a methodical, efficient manner, demonstrating ability to identify and

creatively solve problems.

Performance Monitoring

Tasks include:

• Track projects and company/industry contacts and leads using Salesforce. Update projects on bi-weekly or monthly basis.

• Capture performance measures and metrics to ensure job creation/investment metrics are met on a monthly basis.

• Complete event reports related to proactive business outreach in a timely manner. Be able to take notes during business meetings and document new leads.

• Coordinate research, information and communications, and project activities across a variety of complex business prospects in different stages of development.Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, marketing, public administration, or related field (professional level experience may substitute year for year for the degree).

• Three years professional level experience in community, trade, or economic development (a graduate degree or advanced degree may substitute for one year of required experience) with a focus in any combination of the following:

o Business recruitment and economic development capacity

o Sales and business development experience with companies in aerospace, defense, or space or other key Washington sectors

o Chamber or industry association experience

o Small business support

Required Competencies

• Ability to effectively multitask and track multiple deadlines, successfully prioritizing and managing complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to independently interact with business members and public stakeholders from diverse backgrounds

• Demonstrated skills in business development and/or sales, including proficiency in public speaking and crafting compelling messaging

• A strong understanding of business processes, particularly related to business growth

• Comprehensive understanding of underlying fundamentals and drivers of the business development/recruitment process, including strategic planning and financial analysis

• Fluency in global economic and business trends

• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite of software (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Salesforce or comparable CRM system

• Possession of a valid, U.S. driver's license and possession or ability to obtain a U.S. Passport

• Experience working in foreign countries and across cultures

• Conversational fluency in at least one foreign language

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.

• A Cover letter (enter online).

• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jon Rodriguez at Jon.Rodriguez@Commerce.wa.gov 

5% premium pay for Seattle based candidates

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.